Harare (New Ziana)-Police on Monday said it will arrest everyone engaged in political violence irrespective of one’s political affiliation as the country gears for next month’s elections.

Zimbabwe is holding presidential, parliamentary and local government elections on August 23 to choose new representatives for the next five years.

In a statement, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi warned citizens and parties against engaging in political violence.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) reiterates that there is no going back in fighting political violence as the country braces for the 2023 harmonised elections to be held on 23 August 2023.

“The police warn individuals and groups engaging in any form of political violence or issuing threats to commit violence or damage property that they could be arrested without fear or favour irrespective of one’s political affiliation or stature for the law to take its course.

Nyathi said the police reaction team set up by the Commissioner General of police are on high alert to ensure that law and order is maintained throughout the country.

“The ZRP urges political parties to be responsible and shun all forms of political violence which include threats, intimidation, damage to property or assault at a nearest police station,” he said.

Addressing a Zanu PF campaign rally in Nkayi on Sunday, President Emmerson Mnangagwa reiterated his call for peace and tolerance as the country heads towards harmonised polls.

“Let us all reject and shun violence, we must reject tribalism, we must reject regionalism and we must reject hate speech,” he said.

New Ziana